US Destination Wedding and Honeymoon Tips

article courtesy of AA Vacations (Claire Varrelmann, 972.830.2896)

Half a million couples will celebrate a destination wedding this year while 55 percent of couples have considered eloping because wedding plans have gotten out of hand! A four-day wedding weekend can cost less than a meal and reception for 150-200 people at a luxury hotel in New York.

Some of the leading destinations for weddings are:
~ Las Vegas, 100,000 weddings performed annually
~ Hawaii, 20,000 weddings performed annually
~ U.S. Virgin Islands, 5,100 weddings performed annually
~ Jamaica, 5,000 weddings performed annually
~ Bahamas, 4,000 weddings performed annually

The etiquette of a destination wedding generally calls for invited guests to pay their own airfare, while

the bride and groom pick up the tab for the lodging, food, and beverages at an all-inclusive resort - but couples can now find alternatives to offer their guests discounts on hotels and flights.

Below are some tips and resources that are sure to help couples plan a great destination wedding:

--- Remember to ask for hotel discounts for you and your guests - many times hotels will give discounts when you reserve a block of rooms at a time.
--- Look for generous wedding packages - American Airlines Vacations has developed a unique wedding travel package that offers up to 10 percent off published air fares, plus complimentary wedding invitations inserts to inform out-of-town guests of the discount. These special discounts are available when 10 or more out-of-town guests travel to a wedding. For more information try the Web site www.AAvacations.com.

--- For Brides Only: American Airlines offers a special wedding service desk (800) 545-8193.
--- American Airline's Web site, AA.com, offers special wedding packages to Vegas, including photography, music for the service, a wedding coordinator and flowers.
--- American Airline's Vacation Web site, www.AAvacations.com offers special packages for traveling couples for example:
------ Aruba: Atlantis Submarine Tour, excursion begins at Seaport Village Marina and once on the sub, the vessel submerges to 100-150 feet below the ocean to the Barcadera Reefs. Island Sightseeing Tour, full morning excursion by deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach where you'll visit the St. Anna Church, Natural Bridge, shop for souvenirs and more.
------ Cayman Islands: Stingray Snorkel Trip, an exciting three-hour tour includes Stingray Sandbar to interact (feed and play) with stingrays in their natural environment, Coral Gardens Reef and the Aquarium. Island Highlights Tour, includes a tour to Capital, an art gallery, Conch Shell House, Tortuga Rum Factory, along seven mile beach and the Cayman Turtle Farm.

General travel tips for couples prepping for a honeymoon or destination wedding:

--- Busy brides can check-in up to 30 hours before a flight on American Airlines' Web site, AA.com. Couples can check in the night before a flight, print boarding passes and go directly to security in the morning.
--- Use flight status notification via voice or text messaging so loved ones have an easier time picking you up from the airport.
--- Make sure you know the legalities if you are planning a destination, especially if it out of the country.
--- If you plan on having a destination wedding, try to visit the destination once to finalize any details and to help you anticipate any potential problems.

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